Road Cycling Routes: Cairngorms National Park

Cycling is growing in popularity in Scotland - and while many riders enjoy the region’s range of mountain bike routes, some cyclists prefer to take their bike out on the open road. Thanks to a range of on and off-road routes and the National Cycle Network, Cairngorms National Park has a whole host of adventure trails - so you can enjoy road biking through the Cairngorms in safety. If you’re looking to explore some of Scotland’s best cycling routes, Cairngorms National Park is the perfect place to get started.

The National Cycle Network, Cairngorms National ParkCelebrating its 20th birthday this year, the National Cycle Network has been offering bikers safe cycling routes throughout the UK for two decades. Providing a series of routes through towns and cities across the UK, the National Cycle Network is committed to making roads safer for cyclists. So if you want to explore Scotland by road, the national Cycle Network runs through Aviemore, in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park - giving you easy access to everything this lush landscape has to offer.

RoutesWhen it comes to selecting your bike routes, Cairngorms National Park is full of exciting options - so whether you want to take in the scenery or get up close and personal with nature, there’s a route for you.

Kincraig Loop route - If you want to explore the Kincraig Loop route, exertion is minimal and you can cover this trail in under an hour. This route starts from the Inverdruie Visitor Centre and follows the B970 towards Feshiebridge. Once you’re over the River Feshie, turn towards Loch Insh and into Kincraig village where you can enjoy a well-earned rest. Or for cyclists after a challenging hill climb, take the Cairngorm Mountain ski road up to the top for exhilarating views.

Thanks to its impressive stretch, the Lecht road links the western and eastern sides of the Cairngorms National Park together. If you’re looking for a long distance ride, you can follow the national Cycle Network Route 7 along the Aviemore to Inverness trail. With a climb over the Garbole followed by the great descent down into Farr, you’re guaranteed a great workout before you finally arrive in Inverness. With an array of routes to stimulate your senses, the toughest decision will be which road to take first!

The Ski Road Challenge - The Scottish version of Mont Ventoux in the Cairngorms - A challenge for Road Bikers. Ride from Mikes Bikes Aviemore to Cairngorm Mountain, then up to the Lecht Ski Centre via Aviemore. The total route equals approximately 136 KM’s / 85 Miles with 1686m /5531 ft of climbing. You can split the route over a couple of days or try and smash it in one day. As long as you get your card filled in you can claim a medal. For further route information and how to get your card visit Ski Road Challenge.

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The Cairngorms National Park is the largest national park in the UK and is one of the country's most special and cared for landscapes with a wide variety of traditional and unique villages and communities. This site is your gateway to the Aviemore and Cairngorms, Angus Glens, Atholl and Glenshee, Tomintoul and Glenlivet and the Royal Deeside and Donside areas.